Stephane Dion: Man of the Trees

As a little brown dog in this big scary world, I usually don't engage in communicative events surrounding big issues. I also try to stay totally apolitical. Political parties don't mean as much to me as the people, their pets, and their principles. Having said that, I'm going to delve momentarily into the world of Canadian politics, but please do not take this as an endorsement or non-endorsement of any politician or party.

As you no doubt know, Stephane Dion was chosen this weekend as the new leader of Canada's Liberal party. This makes him the only real alternative to Stephen Harper as Prime Minister of Canada in the next few years. The subtextual discourse making the media rounds is Monsieur Dion's connection with environmentalism.

The juxtaposition of Stephane Dion touting himself as Canada's environmental leader is an interesting one. Sure he wins points with me for having a dog named Kyoto, but let's be honest here, just what is his record on environmental issues? He had his chance and his performance was not particularly stellar. Greenhouse gas emissions increased under his watch. On the other hand, is any of that his fault? I'll give him this, he seems to care more than EnviRona.

And exactly how profound is the environmentalist agenda in today's Canada? I'm reading that it's Canada's youth who are truly engaged, but come on... I'm not even 4 years old and environment is not one of my top issues. In my circle of canine friends, albeit a small circle, we rarely discuss environmental issues at all. It falls much lower on our agenda than any of sniffing, scratching or even growling. So who is discussing sustainability? And do these Canadians really hold any sway when it comes to the general electorate? My walnut-sized brain says that people are short term, selfish thinkers and are more influenced by promises of jobs and tax cuts than by meeting Kyoto commitments. If I'm right, then Jack Layton and Stephen Harper would out-perform Monsieur Dion next election.

Now none of this is to say that I don't think the environment is important. I do not mean to marginalize the issue itself. And IF humans and dogs are influencing global warming, then I can understand why those who have not been surgically prevented from procreating might find it important to protect the planet for their grandchildren.

Monsieur Dion is smart in that he claims to have a platform hallmarked by heterogeneity - throwing up three principles with which he wants to be associated. Environmental sustainability goes along with economic prosperity and social justice. If he could find a way to translate that into something measurable and more hands-on, he would stand a good chance next election. Mr. Harper had his 5 priorities last election and they were things people could understand. Was cutting the GST from 7% to 6% (and eventually 5%) the best thing to do for the economy or to put dollars into the pockets of citizens? No. Why was it so popular? Primarily because most people and dogs are stupid. The GST promise worked because we all understood it. We could see the change instantly at Tim Hortons or Pet Valu.

I know you didn't ask, but if I was running for office, my three pillars would be cookies, sunbeams and stuffed penguins.